Tambopata National Reserve

Reserva Nacional de Tambopata

A pristine protected area renowned for its extraordinary biodiversity including giant macaw clay licks and over 1,200 bird species. It offers the best wildlife viewing opportunities in southern Peru with excellent jungle lodge accommodations.

Things to do

• Macaw Clay Lick Viewing — Watch hundreds of macaws and parrots gather at dawn to consume mineral-rich clay at the famous collpas, a spectacular and noisy natural spectacle.
• Oxbow Lake Canoe Exploration — Paddle through pristine oxbow lakes to spot giant otters, caimans, anacondas, and pink river dolphins in their natural habitat.
• Jaguar and Tapir Tracking Hikes — Guided jungle treks through primary forest searching for large mammals including jaguars, pumas, and tapirs while learning about medicinal plants.
• Canopy Walkway Adventure — Cross suspended bridges and platforms high above the forest floor at the Tambopata Research Center to observe canopy birds and primates at eye level.
• Collpa del Chuncho Night Walk — Night excursions along forest trails to encounter nocturnal species including owls, nightjars, and potentially jaguar or puma eye-shine.
• Bird Watching Expeditions — Specialized birding tours targeting the reserve's 1,200+ bird species including harpy eagles, hoatzins, and endangered species.

Food to try

• Paiche a la Olla — Freshwater paiche fish (the world's largest freshwater fish) from the Tambopata River stewed with local vegetables and served in a rustic clay pot.
• Ceviche de Dorado — Raw dorado fish cured in lime juice with chilies and served with cassava and local river fish caught daily from pristine forest waters.
• Chonta Palm Heart Salad — Hearts of the chonta palm harvested from reserve vegetation served as a tender salad with local herbs and lime dressing.
• Jungle Game Stew (Cazuela de Caza) — Traditional stew featuring locally hunted game such as wild boar, paca, or armadillo simmered with forest roots and served with plantains.
• Amazon Açaí and Brazil Nuts — Fresh açaí berries and raw Brazil nuts harvested from the reserve forest, often served as bowls or snacks at jungle lodges.

Local customs & good to know

• Respect Indigenous Land Rights — The reserve overlaps with traditional territories of the Ese'eja and Harakmbut peoples; support lodge operations that employ and benefit local indigenous communities.
• Early Morning Activity is Essential — Wildlife is most active at dawn, so expect 5 AM departures for macaw clay lick visits and jungle walks to maximize sightings.
• Hiring Local Expert Guides — Lodge guides are typically from or trained by local communities and possess irreplaceable knowledge of animal behavior, medicinal plants, and forest ecology.
• Minimal Impact and Silence Protocol — Visitors are expected to move quietly, avoid sudden movements, and follow strict no-litter policies to protect the delicate ecosystem and wildlife behavior.